Abstract: A switching device for switching bipolar DC currents in a high-voltage system includes at least two electromechanical switching units and a semiconductor switching arrangement. The electromechanical switching units have a first switching status and a second switching status. In the first switching status, the DC current can be passed via at least one of the electromechanical switching units without in this case flowing via the semiconductor switching arrangement. In the second switching status of the electromechanical switching units, the DC current can be passed via the semiconductor switching arrangement and can be switched off.

Abstract: An exemplary medium or high voltage switch has a first set of contact elements and a second set of contact elements. Each contact element includes an insulating carrier carrying conducting elements. In the closed state of the switch, the conducting elements align to form one or more current paths between terminals of the switch along an axial direction. For opening the switch, the contact elements are mutually displaced by means of one or two drives along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The switching arrangement is arranged in a fluid-tight housing in a gas of elevated pressure or in a liquid. The switch has a high voltage withstand capability and fast switching times.

Abstract: An exemplary medium or high voltage switch has a first set of contact elements and a second set of contact elements. Each contact element includes an insulating carrier carrying conducting elements. In the closed current-carrying state of the switch, the conducting elements align to form one or more current paths between terminals of the switch along an axial direction. For opening the switch, the contact elements are mutually displaced by through two drives along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The switching arrangement is arranged in a fluid-tight housing in a gas of elevated pressure or in a liquid. The switch has a high voltage withstand capability and fast switching times.

Abstract: A medium or high voltage switch has a switching assembly actuated by two drives. Each drive includes a plunger arranged between two Thomson coils. The coils as well as the plunger are rectangular for reducing the weight and therefore inertia of the drive and thus to increase drive speed.

Abstract: The design of electrical switches that operate under load (with current flowing) requires replacement of the electrical contact after erosion and wear experienced by arcing and raised temperatures reduce functionality below acceptable limits. A quantity of trace element or compound is implanted at a depth representative of the point at which wear or erosion requires contact replacement. When exposed by wear or erosion, the quantity of the trace element is released into the oil or other medium surrounding the contact, providing an indication of excessive wear.

Abstract: The design of electrical switches that operate under load (with current flowing) requires replacement of the electrical contact after erosion and wear experienced by arcing and raised temperatures reduce functionality below acceptable limits.A quantity of trace element or compound is implanted at a depth representative of the point at which wear or erosion requires contact replacement. When exposed by wear or erosion, the quantity of the trace element is released into the oil or other medium surrounding the contact, providing an indication of excessive wear.